Modern Logan's Run Atmosphere

Rating: 7/10 (23 July 2005)

The Island is a story about an installation that houses clones. Clones that are purchased by (and bred for) society's rich and powerful. These clones are kept, in the installation, for insurance purposes. Insurance purposes you ask? It seems that the clones are being kept in the installation in case their "sponsor" needs a new heart, a new kidney, or just to breed a child for the sponsor. The clones are led to believe that they are rescued people from a world that has been "contaminated" and destroyed. This belief keeps the clones within the walls of the society and keeps them under control.
Ewan McGregor plays Lincoln. Lincoln begins to start having nightmares and questioning his surroundings and the world. This starts the journey of discovery for Lincoln. Without revealing too much of the story, Lincoln finds out that the world is not what it seems. Lincoln escapes with his best friend (Scarlett Johannson) into the real world.
Sean Bean, who is just good at everything he does, plays the manager of the clone installation. Once Lincoln escapes, he sets a mercenary unit on the loose to recapture the clones.
Overall, I enjoyed the movie. I thought each of the three main stars were adequate. Bean was very good (as usual), McGregor is in fine form, and Johannson fits the bill as the female love interest. While the movie was entertaining, there is a flaw (of course) that may cause some people to lose interest: the mercs flying all over LA blowing everything up to recapture two escape clones. I found that a bit over the top. All these ex-SEALs running around (in broad daylight) blowing up vehicles, buildings, other people just to capture two lost clones. But while that was a bit ridiculous, the movie works. The movie promised to be a summer popcorn flick and it delivers.
Remember that most movies are ridiculous. But a good product can overshadow the over the top antics and still produce quality entertainment. If I had to rate this picture (scale of 10), I would have to say 7.5.
Besides Batman, this is the only worthwhile film thus far. In a summer of movies like Bewitched, The Island is a nice break in the idiotic and the stupid.